AI Agents and Internet Security: A Growing Concern
As AI agents become increasingly integrated into various applications, concerns about their impact on internet security are rising. Meredith Whittaker, president of Signal, warns that these agents pose an “existential threat” not only to secure messaging platforms but to the broader ecosystem of apps that rely on user data. The necessity for AI agents to access sensitive information creates a new attack surface that cybercriminals could exploit, raising significant privacy and security issues.
Whittaker highlights the dangers of prompt injection attacks, where malicious websites can trick AI into executing harmful actions. This vulnerability is particularly alarming for applications like Signal, which prioritize user privacy through end-to-end encryption. If AI agents gain unchecked access to user communications, it could undermine the very foundation of secure messaging.
As tech companies rush to implement AI features, the balance between innovation and security is becoming increasingly precarious. Whittaker’s insights urge us to consider whether the benefits of AI in messaging apps truly outweigh the potential risks. Are we prepared to navigate this complex landscape of security threats as we embrace AI technology?
Original source: https://fortune.com/2025/11/27/ai-agents-are-an-existential-threat-to-secure-messaging-signals-president-whittaker-says/